Running at Night

Under the night sky, running is as if in a dream – the legs move, yet there is no feeling of forward movement. Sense of time and space see irrelevant and I sometimes wonder if I will awaken from the surreal and be disappointed.

A great play takes place in the night theater overhead.  Orion stands ready with his faithful dogs by his side – his mighty sword hangs from his belt.    The lion roars and the rabbit takes cover.  On the far side of the stage appears the scorpion that claimed Orion’s life. 

The Goddess of Love and the God of the Sky and Thunder align, just as they have for me before.  At times, the Great Storm feels as though it is a vortex in my head – the flashbacks are a plague now permanent.   

The objects above are pieces of me – a cosmic connection. “Can you see me?”  I wonder.  A star shines brightly to the left of the stage.  It is the star that once intervened and proclaimed, “It is too soon.  She is not ready for the sky yet.”  And it is that same star that sent him to her and instructed, “Be my symbol so she will know that I am with her.” 

The halo ahead leads the way to freedom.  My arms are raised to the heavens while running downhill.  I understand now all that I hadn’t before – it is a primal sensation and a higher level of consciousness. 

Alone in the peaceful darkness I apologize.

“Mercury, I am sorry, but I have lost the wings you once gave me for my feet.”  I lament.

“Fear not, for those wings would be dangerous now.  Instead, you have Pegasus who runs by your side.”

“Will he carry me if I cannot go on?”  I ask.

“Yes, and he will take you home.”